Second Empire Mirror With Moldings

France, 19th century — Louis XIV / Regency style
Embossed and repoussé brass, beveled central glass
Height: 60 cm — Width: 35 cm

Charming in its dimensions, yet remarkable for the richness of its decoration, this small mirror with glazing beads is a beautiful example of 19th-century French decorative art, reviving the ornamental vocabulary of the grand mirrors of the Louis XIV and Regency periods.

Entirely adorned with scrollwork, volutes, shells, palmettes, foliage, and floral motifs, its repoussé brass frame offers an exceptional profusion of decoration. The four corners are highlighted by bold plant motifs, while the openwork glazing beads frame the central mirror and accentuate the depth of the piece.

But it is above all the magnificent original pediment that gives this small mirror its distinctive character. Extremely elaborate, it features an elegant symmetrical arrangement of scrollwork and foliage, enriched with flowers, shells, and a prominent central fan-shaped motif. Its dynamic silhouette gives it an almost architectural presence despite its small size.

The warm tone of the brass, the finesse of the repoussé work, and the remarkable condition of the piece as a whole make it a particularly appealing object.

Perfectly preserved and complete, with its original pediment, this mirror will fit just as well in a classic interior as in a contemporary setting, where its highly ornamental character will add a magnificent touch of old-world charm.

A small collector’s mirror, particularly decorative, whose dimensions allow it to be easily incorporated into an entryway, a bedroom, a library, or above a console table.